Dear Partners and Friends,
I shared with you last month the need to build a heart full of faith concerning the Name of Jesus. Using the name of Jesus from a position of mental assent does not produce the results that Jesus wants. Jesus wants us to receive and have a full measure of joy. That is why He said, “Ask in my Name and you will receive so that your joy may be full” (John 16:24).
We looked at the verse in Philippians 2:9-10 and discovered our Heavenly Father gave Jesus the name that is above every name. This Name includes the highest position of authority in the universe. The authority in Jesus’ Name operates in the heavens, in the earth and under the earth (verse 10).
The disciples were not fully aware of what had transpired during the time after Jesus had died on the cross. As Jesus stood with his disciples before His ascension, the full revelation of the fact that Jesus had tasted death for every man (Hebrews 2:9) was not apparent to them. The understanding that Jesus had obtained the keys of death and hell (Revelation 1:18) was not in their hearts. Maybe the full meaning of the fact that Jesus had opened a new and living access to the Father (Hebrews 10:20) was not yet understood. One thing Jesus did declare to them is this:
“Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, ‘All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.’” – Matthew 28:18 (AMP)
The KJV uses the word “power.” The word is actually “authority” as translated here in the Amplified version. The definition includes “the right to control or govern, dominion, the area or sphere of jurisdiction.” Even though His disciples did not fully comprehend many of the truths we realize about redemption, our new birth and our position in Christ, they took our Master at His Word. Jesus Christ had obtained all power and authority to control, rule and govern. Then Jesus said, “Go ye therefore…” In other words, “since I have gained all authority, I am authorizing you to go in my Name”. Mark 16:17-18 records Jesus as saying:
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
In my office, you can see my desk, computer, files, books, etc. All of the items necessary for me to accomplish my work are located in my office. The phrase “In my name” indicates the place you will locate the equipment to execute Jesus’ authority and experience His benefits!
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only authorized representative with the power of attorney to use His Name. If we don’t access the authority in His Name, no one else can! When a person is granted the power of attorney for another, it is for the purpose of carrying out business in the name of that person. Power of attorney gives you access to their resources. It makes you responsible to carry out the will of that person, sign checks on their account and conduct business on that person’s behalf. The church is the only one qualified with the power of attorney for Jesus Christ on the earth! We have access to all His resources and authority so that we can do business in His Name!
Jesus is the Head of the church. We are the body. My husband is the head of our union. He is not called “Mr. Michele Steele.” No! I am legally named Mrs. Philip Steele! He gave me his name and I took it! Jesus Christ has given us His name! Take it and honor Him by using it for His glory! Colossians 3:17 instructs us as New Testament believers, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” As my partner, I pray for you to increase to a full understanding of your legal right to use the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! There are more teachings on my podcast to help you grow.